Three strokes won’t stop Octogenarian

EIGHT band members – some of them in their eighties – are living proof there is life after a stroke.

The members of band Valkommen have all either suffered strokes or are carers for someone who has had a stroke.

One member – nicknamed by one fan of the band as ‘Mr Rock-n-Roll’ – can still perform a skiffle despite having suffered three strokes.

Ken Marshall, 80, suffered his first stoke 15 years ago and lost the use of one side of his body and struggled with his speech – but found he could sing.

He told the Herald, “People that can’t speak can often sing because it is a different side of the brain that controls speech and music.”

His carer, Vera Otto, also 80, also performs in the band. She said, “You are never too old to recover from a stroke. The most important step to recovery is the will to get well.” Ken and Vera formed the band and the Pevensey Bay and District Stroke Club about 10 years ago. The Herald caught up with Valkommen when they performed at Croxted Court, sheltered accommodation in Croxted Way, Hampden Park, on Tuesday (April 6).

The band tours the area raising funds for the Stroke Club, which meets at 2pm on the last Friday of every month in St Wilfred’s Hall, Pevensey Bay. For information call Vera or Ken on 01323 762591 or email .

story source : Eastbourne Herald